Recently, I encountered an issue with a client regarding a suspicious invoice, it was from Registry Australia, prompting a crucial discussion every business owner should heed to avoid paying unnecessary fees. When you receive an official-looking letter from Registry Australia about renewing your business name, here’s a straightforward piece of advice: do not pay it. Let me explain why.
What is Registry Australia?
Registry Australia is not affiliated with ASIC—the official government body responsible for managing business names and renewals. Instead, they are part of a group of companies that prey on unsuspecting businesses by sending out renewal notices that appear urgent and official. These notices often offer a “discount” if you pay by a certain date, creating a false sense of urgency to coax you into overpaying for services that ASIC provides for much less.
The Real Cost of Misleading Renewals
For clarity, ASIC will send you a direct reminder via email 30 days before your business name needs to be renewed, and the fees are significantly lower than what third-party companies like Registry Australia charge. For example, while ASIC charges $42 for a one-year renewal and $98 for three years, Registry Australia charges $99 and $199, respectively. Clearly, paying through the official channel is not only safer but also far more cost-effective.
How to Register for the Do Not Mail Service
The Do Not Mail Register offers a way for consumers to reduce the amount of unsolicited mail they receive. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you register and manage unwanted mail effectively.
Step 1: Understand the Scope of the Register
Before registering, it’s important to understand what the Do Not Mail Register can and cannot do. It will reduce unsolicited mail from:
- Members of ADMA and a few non-members who have agreed to participate.
However, it will not stop mail from:
- Companies that are not members of ADMA.
- New businesses trying to reach you as a new lead.
- Businesses targeting your business for marketing.
- Unaddressed mail such as brochures and flyers.
Step 2: Register Your Details
To start reducing unwanted direct mail:
- Visit the official ADMA Do Not Mail registration page here.
- Fill out the registration form with your personal details, including your name and address.
- Submit the form and wait at least 45 days for the registration to take effect as your details are processed and circulated among participating organisations.
Step 3: Place a No Junk Mail Sticker
For immediate action against unaddressed mail:
- Place a sticker on your letterbox that states “No Junk Mail” or “No Unsolicited Mail.” This visually informs postal carriers and marketers of your preference.
- Register with Australia Post on your PO Box for “No Junk Mail.”
Step 4: Return Unwanted Mail
If you continue to receive unsolicited mail from organizations:
- Write “Return to Sender” and “No Junk Mail” on the envelope.
- Send it back by placing it in a mailbox. This action signals to the sender that you do not wish to receive further communications.
Step 5: Contact the Sender Directly
To remove your details from specific mailing lists:
- Contact the organisation directly via phone, email, or letter.
- Request to be removed from their marketing database. This is often necessary for companies that are not part of the ADMA or those that have not yet processed your Do Not Mail request.
Additional ways to avoid Paying Unnecessary Fees
For consumers looking to reduce phone marketing:
- Register your phone number with the ACMA’s Do Not Call Register. However, be aware that charities, political parties, research companies, and educational institutions are exempt from this list.
- Under Australia’s Spam Act, any electronic marketing must include an unsubscribe link, making it easier to opt out of emails or texts.
By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the amount of unwanted mail and marketing communications you receive, though it’s important to note that some communications may still get through due to the limitations of the Do Not Mail Register and other regulatory exemptions.
Our Commitment at TLS BAS and Bookkeeping
At TLS BAS and Bookkeeping, servicing Collie, Bunbury, and the Southwest, we strive to keep your business safe from such deceptive practices.
If you ever question the legitimacy of any business-related mail, especially those concerning renewals or registrations, please reach out to us directly. We are here to help guide you, ensuring your business stays secure and compliant without unnecessary expenditures.
For more tips on protecting your business or if you need assistance with your bookkeeping and compliance, fill in the contact form or connect with us on Facebook.
Tanya Scott and the dedicated team at TLS BAS and Bookkeeping are here to offer expert guidance and support, ensuring your business operations are smooth, compliant, and free from costly scams.
